Blockage of the bile ducts cause jaundice, and this is the most common symptom of AIP. Autoimmune condition may cause formation of masses in the pancreas which is often misunderstood for tumor or cancer.
Type AIP is more commonly seen in males over 60 years. Many organs like
bile ducts,
salivary glands,
lungs
may be involved in the condition.
Type 1 is also characterized by the presence of fibrous tissue behind the stomach and intestine, a condition called as retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF).
Type 2 AIP is more commonly seen in people over 40 years, but is seen equally among males and females. Most of them have increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis.
3 Causes
As in many other conditions, Autoimmune pancreatitis is also caused by the autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks pancreatic tissue.
The actual cause of autoimmune condition is not known.
4 Making a Diagnosis
Signs and symptoms of Autoimmune pancreatitis is similar to that of pancreatic cancer, making diagnosis hard.
Misdiagnosis cause delay in treatment of the condition.
As per the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria (ICDC), the diagnostic tests for AIP are
Histology
Imaging techniques like CT, MRI, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Serology
Other organ involvement
Response to steroid trial – a trial of response to steroids is used to confirm the diagnosis, as only AIP responds to steroid treatment
Blood test checks for the presence of immunoglobulin IgG4.
Elevated levels of these immunoglobulins indicate type 1 AIP.
Biopsy of pancreatic tissue shows the distinctive cells and tissues of the organ in AIP.
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